Saturday, October 17, 2009

We regret to inform you that Former Islander Watch has torn its ACL and will be out 4 to 8 months.

On a more serious note, FIW has struggled to get posts out, even at this early juncture in the year, and it has become apparent that regularly postings are near impossible with the current stressed here in Orange, California. Until further notice FIW will be on hiatus. Please check back with us in the future as we determine whether to continue this historic mission or fold it like the Lighthouse Project.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Calgary obtained defenseman Aaron Johnson on Thursday from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for winger Kyle Greentree. Johnson had played in 38 games last season with the 'Hawks but had yet to suit up for a game this season. Last year Johnson notched 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in those contests.

A 184 game veteran, Johnson was originally selected in the 3rd round, 85th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by Columbus. He has 10 goals and 26 assists for 36 points on his career. The Flames will be Johnson's fourth team after the Blue Jackets, Isles and Blackhawks.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

After losing veteran defenseman Andrei Markov for at least a month the Montreal Canadiens immediately sent out for some support. On Tuesday they signed Former Islander blueliner and unrestricted free agent Marc-Andre Bergeron to a 1 year deal. MAB played 72 games for Minnesota last year notching 14 goals (7 powerplay) and 18 assists for 32 points, a semi-resurgence after a trade from the Isles to Anaheim the season before landed the hard shooter in the minors. Bergeron has played in 339 games scoring 62 goals (36 powerplay) a 98 assists for 160 points. He has suited up for the Oilers, Isles, Ducks and Wild before joining his second Canadian squad. Financial terms of the deal are not yet known. We wish Marc-Andre the best on his new team.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

With a tight start to the season cram-packed with games from Thursday October 1 to Saturday October 3 things were exciting for Former Islanders, some in new locales, some comfortable in familiar surroundings. Here is a quick look:

Pittsburgh Penguin wingers Ruslan Fedotenko and Bill Guerin are the FIs of the week after having a fabulous start each receiving 2 points in their first 2 games. Fedotenko had a goal and an assist in the Pens 4-3 SO win over the Isles on Saturday including netting the tying goal. Guerin split assists over the Pens' first 2 games to notch a point-per-contest. Staying with Pittsburgh may pay off big dividends for the two two-time Stanley Cup winners.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo bombed his first week surrendering 7 goals on 49 shots between those two contests notching and 0-2-0 record with a 3.53 goals against average and an abysmal .857 goals against average. If the Canucks are to succeed it will be on the heals of Bobby Lu and vice versa.

Speaking of goalies Detroit's 1A backstopper Chris Osgood had a less than spectacular start surrendering 4 goals on 23 shots in his first start. He has an 0-1-0, an .826 save percentage and a 4.06 goals against average. Do you hear that ticking sound? It is the impending end of Ozzie's illustrious career.

Speaking of Red Wing washups, winger Todd Bertuzzi notched an assist for 1 point in 2 Detroit games over the opening weekend. Inane fact: Bert now has 370 assists on 826 games.

And to return to the Northwest let us look at a pair of FI centers. Calgary's own Olli Jokinen looked clueless notching only 1 assist on 2 games. He is going to have to step it up if the Flames are going to succeed. Surprise, surprise coming from Mike Comrie. The Brick notched 1 helper in Edmonton's lone weekend game, not surprisingly against the Flames. The born-again Oiler is looking to overcome his absolute awfulness that nearly destroyed his career last season.

For a much more impressive debut than any other FI we can give a head nod to Los Angeles winger Ryan Smyth who notched 2 powerplay assists in his first game as a King. Smyth received the 3rd star honor despite the fact that the host Kings were crushed heartily. It looks like Anze Kopitar may have found a new best friend.

In the "a Norris Trophy does not make you special" category we have Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara who wowed with 1 assist in 2 games. Way to go Big Z... no sarcasm at all.

Now to a more memorable FI defenseman, John Erskine. The blueliner had 1 assist in 2 games equaling Chara's excellence.

Oh and let us not forget Roman Hamrlik who notched a shorthanded helper in Montreal's lone weekend game. The shortie assist was Hamr's first since January 7.

While we are still in the Northeast let us peak in on two high-flying FIs. Buffalo center Tim Connolly notched a powerplay goal in his first game of the season. Way to go TimCo! Also helping out with the man advantage was Toronto winger Jason Blake who had 1 powerplay helper in 2 games.

Check in next week as we recap the FI events from Monday October 5 to Sunday October 11 here at FIW!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

As we approach the beginning of the 2009-10 season there are a couple of changes to note here at FIW.

#1 Daily updates are gone! In this age of micro-blogging who has the time to do an extensive blog post everyday? Instead we will recap Former Islander accomplishments on a week-by-week basis meaning less posts to read.

#2 Snappier and quicker summmaries! Less about the particulars of the big plays and more about the things we really care about - the stats. Player recaps will be about numbers, numbers, numbers.

#3 Updated pictures! As soon as the NHL teams role out the new team photos we will have new player pictures.

#4 More snark! As the NHL continues to be the bastion of major league sport intellect we will continue to find retorts that mean something. Take that Gary Bettman. (p.s. We love Charles Wang and company! Blue and Orange forever.)

#5 No Shawn Bates! He has not played in years for an NHL squad but it is never too late to keep reminding ourselves of that sweet fact.

By the way we do not recap preseason statistics since they are essentially meaningless. Join us after October 3 when the NHL kicks off.

Realizing that one has been lax to one's blogging requirements is daunting knowledge. As school, work and life role on here in Orange County Former Islander Watch has suffered. Here is the end of summer update featuring news so old it cannot truly be called "new":

Defensive veteran and living fossil Mathieu "Coelecanth" Schneider signed a deal with the Vancouver Canucks on August 28. Schneids, who scored 32 points (9 goals, 23 assists) in 67 games last season between the Atlanta Thrashers and Montreal Canadiens will join his 9th team and 5th in the last 4 seasons. It is believed that Schneider signed a 1 year, $1.55 million deal. Best of luck Mathieu!

On September 2 goaltender Roberto Luongo signed a 12 year contract extension with the Canucks essentially ending all trade rumors involving the stud backstopper. Bobby Lu is all but guaranteed to be a 'Nuck for the rest of his playing career. The deal will net Luongo $7.5 million this year and about $80 million over the life of the contract at an average of $6.75 million per year but an exceedinly generous $10 million next year. Congratulations Roberto... wow!

That same day winger Taylor Pyatt said his final goodbyes to Vancouver and joined the Phoenix Coyotes (a.k.a. the Hamilton Blackberries) on a 1 year deal for an amount yet to be announced. The winger has 19 points (10 goals, 9 assists) last season with the 'Nucks in 69 games before sitting out the last part of the season and a portion of the playoffs due to the untimely passing of his fiance. We wish Taylor the best as he finds a home far from the colder confines of Long Island, Buffalo or Vancouver.

Center Mike Duff nee Comrie signed a 1 year deal with the Edmonton Oilers, a former squad, on September 10. Comrie struggled last season with a meager 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) on 63 games between the Isles and Ottawa Senators. The deal is believed to $1.125 million... that should buy a lot of Hilary Duff cds. Congratulations Mike... Hope you find your touch again!

FI camp invitees include: winger Mitch Fritz with Phoenix, winger Mike York with the Florida Panthers, winger Mark Parrish with the Canucks, winger Kip Brennan with the Oilers, a shortlived relationship with center Shawn Bates and the Colorado Avalanche that has already ended... more as they are discovered.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

It has been a pathetically slow reaction time here at Former Islander Watch as we have been snoozing in these dog days of summer. Here are the recaps, signings and FI happenings for roughly the last month (i.e. July 18-August 18). Will the hockey season ever start? By the way, Santa Barbara is a beautiful city... so much more so than San Jose. However, at least San Jose has a successful hockey club with many Conference and Stanley Cup championships to their credit... oh wait. Here is the not so new news:

Stud defenseman Denis Grebeshkov got a big raise from the Edmonton Oilers on July 21 garnering a 1 year, $3.15 million deal - a compromise result that had both sides avoid the arbitration table for the 26 year old Restricted Free Agent. Talks had broken down on a longer term deal late last season and this was the stopgap measure put in place. Greb earned $1.5 million last season, a career year with 7 goals and 32 assists for 39 points on 72 games.

2008-09 1A/1B goalie for the Isles, Joey MacDonald, inked a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on August 10. Terms of the deal have yet to be released but the deal is probably a two-way signing since the Leafs currently appear to have two one-way goalies. Mac played in 49 games (46 starts) last season for the Isles recording a 14-26-6 record with a 3.37 goals against average, a .901 save percentage and 1 shutout. In 66 career games between the Isles and Detroit Red Wings MacDonald in 17-34-9 with a 3.31 goals against average, a .900 save percentage and 1 goose egg. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native, MacDonald joins his first Canadian squad.

Finally, winger Todd Bertuzzi inked a 1 year, $1.5 million dollar deal with a former team, the Red Wings on August 18. After spending a month and a half on the free agent list Bert was finally picked up for next season albeit at decreasingly declining contract amounts ($1.95 million last season with Calgary). Bert had 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) on 66 games last season with the Flames and came out storming but cooled off considerably in the last 2/3rds of the season. Originally drafted in the 1st Round, 23rd overall by the Isles in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft Bertuzzi has 624 points (255 goals, 369 assists) on 859 career games. Bert has played for the Isles, Canucks, Wings, Panthers, Ducks and Flames.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

There are a pair of signings of note in the Former Islander world. Let us take a look at the happenings:

FI defenseman inked a deal with the President's Trophy winning San Jose Sharks on Thursday July 16. Originally drafted in the 3rd Round, 70th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, it would take 7 years before the blueliner would break into the league midway through the 2008-09 season with the Isles. Callahan suited up in 18 games with the Islanders compiling 2 assists, a +5 rating and a gentlemanly 4 penalty minutes. Callahan could compete for a regular role on the Sharks' backend, one that features such seasoned veterans as Rob Blake, Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich. Terms of the deal have yet to be released.

FI backup goaltender Wade Dubielewicz signed with the Minnesota Wild on Friday July 17. Terms of the deal have not be released yet. Dubie played with the Columbus Blue Jackets late last season after being dropped from his Russian team in the Kontinental Hockey League midway through the year. Dubie played in only 3 games (2 starts) compiling a 1-2-0 record with a 3.56 goals against average and an .870 save percentage. An undrafted signing by the Isles midway through this decade, Dubielewicz has played in 40 games (29 starts) with a 17-5-1-1 record (W-L-T-OTL), a 2.64 goals against average and .916 save percentage. Dubie's signing adds an extra level of depth to the Minnesota goal sending their lineup 3 deep in the backstop position.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

There has been a handful more Former Islander happenings of note over the last week. Let us take a look at the activity:

A pair of FIs inked with the Atlanta Thrashers including center Jason Krog, a one-time Thrasher and young goaltender Peter Mannino. Krog, an AHL powerhouse, suited up for the Vancouver Canucks last season netting a goal. A sporadic NHLer, Krog has played in 202 games scoring 22 goals and adding 37 assists for 59 points. An undrafted acquisition by the Isles during the 1999-2000 season he has played for the Blue & Orange, the Ducks, the Rangers, the Thrashers and the 'Nucks. The terms of Krog's deal are unknown but it is probable that the contract features a two-way deal in which he would have an AHL salary schedule and an NHL salary schedule in case he finds his way to the big leagues. If not Krog should be back with the AHL Chicago Wolves, the team with which he took league's scoring title during the 2007-08 season. Another unsigned Isles acquisition, young goalie Mannino has already found a new squad. Mannino played in 3 games with the Isles last season compiling a 1-1-0 record with a 4.52 goals against average and an .885 save percentage. Since the 2008-09 campaign was Mannino's introduction to the NHL that win served as the first of his career. The terms of the deal were not yet unveiled and only time will tell if Mannino finds some more NHL starts in his future.

Chicago defenseman Aaron Johnson avoided salary arbitration and signed a 1 year, $540,000 deal with the Blackhawks. The move all but guarantees that Johnson will find some more playing time with the 'Hawks next season. He played in 38 games for Chicago during the 2008-09 season netting 3 goals and adding 5 assists for 8 points.

Boston inked defenseman Drew Fata to a 1 year deal on Tuesday July 7. Monetary and other terms of the deal have not yet been released. The tough blueliner has only ever played in the NHL for the Isles despite having signed with the Phoenix Coyotes after the 2007-08 season. Originally picked in the 3rd Round, 86th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Fata eventually signed with the Islanders and played in 8 games over 2 seasons scoring 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points.

Goaltender Yann Danis signed with the rival New Jersey Devils on Friday July 10. Terms of the contract have not yet been released. With backup goalies Scott Clemmensen bailing ship and Kevin Weekes in limbo Danis may have lined himself up to be Martin Brodeur's new backup tender. Considering Danis came into last season with only 6 games of NHL experience under his belt he increased his ability exponentially with 31 appearances (29 starts) compiling a 10-17-3 record with a 2.86 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. Originally an unsigned pick up by the Montreal Canadiens Danis has had the privilege to play for the Blue & Orange and the Rouge, Blanc et Bleu. He has a career 13-19-3 record in 37 games (34 starts) with a 2.84 save percentage, a .910 save percentage and 3 shutouts.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Former Islander winger Tom Fitzgerald signed on as the new Pittsburgh Penguins Assistant General Manager on Friday. Fitz weighed continuing to coach or return to management after becoming an assistant coach with Pens Cup winning rookie coach Dan Bylsma. Fitzgerald's primary objective will be to track and cultivate prospects here and abroad. A former 1st Round pick, Fitz was chosen 17th overall by the Isles in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He played 1,097 games with the Isles, Panthers, Avalanche, Predators, Blackhawks, Maple Leafs and Bruins before retiring after the 2005-06 season. Over than time he notched 139 goals and 190 assists for 329 points.

Pittsburgh winger Bill Guerin opted to take a large pay cut ($4.5 million down to $2 million) to stay with the championship team. Guerin notched 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) on 78 games last season including 12 (5 goals, 7 assists) on 17 games with the Penguins after being trade near the deadline. Billy G then went on to score 7 goals and add 8 assists for 15 points on 24 playoff games as he captured his second Stanley Cup and first since he was a member of the 1995 New Jersey Devils. An 1,185 game veteran, Guerin was chosen in the 1st Round, 5th overall by the Devils in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He has played for a wide variety of squads including the Devs, Oilers, Bruins, Stars, Sharks, Blues, Isles and Pens. On his career he has an impressive 408 goals and 403 assists for 811 points.

With the free agency market having opened on July 1 things have been busy for Former Islanders. Here is a look at the action to date:

Edmonton signed defenseman/winger Jason Strudwick to a 1 year deal worth $700K after the 12 year veteran put up a career best 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) on 71 games last season. A fusion player who can play the blueline or a 4th line winger role has played in 559 games for the Isles, Canucks, Blackhawks, Rangers and Oilers. Over that span Strud has posted 13 goals and 34 assists for 47 points. Strudwick was original taken in the 3rd Round, 63rd overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Islanders.

Veteran defenseman Adrian Aucoin bailed on Calgary and is heading to the Phoenix Coyotes on a 1 year, $2.25 million deal. Aucoin had spent the last 2 seasons with the Flames after suffering back injuries as captain in Chicago. Aucoin has revived his career and last season posted a respectable 34 points (10 goals, 24 assists) on 81 games. Originally taken in the 5th Round, 117th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft by the Canucks, Aucoin has played for the 'Nucks, Lightning and Isles as well as the Blackhawks and Flames. Aucoin has played in 851 games scoring 108 goals and adding 228 assists for 336 points. He has posted back-to-back 10 goal seasons for only the second time in his career.

Winger Ruslan Fedotenko opted to take a pay cut if that meant staying with the championship Pittsburgh Penguins as the forward signed off on a 1 year deal worth $1.8 million, a nearly half a million dollar cut from last year's contract. Fedo played well in his first season in Pitt notching 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) on 65 injury-shortened games. He also notched 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in the team's 24 game playoff run. A 597 game veteran, Fedo has 139 goals and 139 assists for 278 points and can now boast of his 2 Stanley Cup rings. Fedotenko has played for the Flyers, Lightning, Isles and Pens.

The Colorado Avalanche have offloaded "Captain Canada" Ryan Smyth and his hearty $6.5 million dollars due next year and the $10 million due for the next 2 years after that in exchange for Los Angeles defensemen Tom Preissing, Kyle Quincey and a 5th Round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Smyth played well this past year leading the team with 59 points (26 goals, 33 assists) on 77 games but never really met up to the Avs' expectations as the team has failed to make the playoffs for 2 straight years. On the flipside the woeful and youthful Kings have been trying to bolster their team with a veteran presence. A 920 game veteran Smyth has 310 goals and 350 assists for 660 points on his career. Originally selected in the 1st Round, 6th overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Smyth played his first 12 seasons in the league with the Edmontion Oilers before going to the Isles late in the 2006-07 season. Smyth bailed on the Isles lures to keep him and opted for a 5 year deal with Avalanche and now finds himself in exile from the Mile High City after a failed experiment. Smyth was one of the major catalysts as the Oil made it to Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Final - the closest taste of success for the vaunted winger.

A pair of notable FIs have decided to take their chances at arbitration. Young d-man Denis Grebeshkov has spurned Edmonton's lowball offers and has decided to leave the decision up to the league about how much he deserves. Greb is coming off a breakout year in which he compiled 39 points (7 goals, 32 assists) on 72 games. He now has 176 games under his belt with 10 goals and 53 assists for 63 points. A former 1st Round pick, Grebeshkov was taken 18th in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. Greb has played with the Kings, Isles and Oil. Slightly more seasoned is Chicago d-man Aaron Johnson who is looking for a pay raise. Johnson had a hot start last season with the Blackhawks before tailing off midway through and then being demoted. He notched 3 goals and added 5 assists for 8 points on 38 games. Johnson has played in 184 games scoring 10 goals and adding 26 assists for 36 points. Johnson was originally taken in the 3rd Round, 85th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He has suited up for the BJs, Isles and 'Hawks.

Check back soon as the players continue to fall into place for the 2009-2010 season.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Former Islander defenseman Zdeno Chara cleaned up at the 2009 NHL Awards held on Thursday June 18 in Las Vegas. This is the first major award for the gigantic Boston Bruins' d-man. Chara had another impressive season recording a single season best 19 goals and a respectable 31 assists for an even 50 points capping his 2nd straight 50+ point campaign. Congratulations to Zdeno - you earned it, well almost as much as Mike Green (Washington) did!

Somewhere between Orange, California and Long Island there exists my Dean Chynoweth rookie card. Why does it exist? Not quite sure. But on Friday the Islanders announced that they signed alumnus Chynoweth as an assistant coach for the 2009-2010 season. For the last 5 seasons Chynoweth has been the head coach/general manager for the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. Over that span Chynoweth compiled a 162-163-6-1-1 record (W-L-T-OTL-SOL). Before that Chynoweth had been with the Utah Grizzlies of the now defunct International Hockey League (IHL), a former Isles affiliate.

Originally drafted in the 1st Round, 13th overall in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft by the Isles the defenseman went onto a 10 season career spending 7 with the Isles and the last 3 with the Boston Bruins. On his career Chynoweth played in 241 games scoring 4 goals and adding 18 assists for 22 points along with 667 penalty minutes.

Welcome back to the organization Dean. We wish you the best of luck behind the bench with Scott Gordon!

Friday, June 12, 2009

With all the cards on the table, the most beautiful trophy in all of sports out of the case and the title of Champion up for grabs the Pittsburgh Penguins tangled with the host Detroit Red Wings in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final on Friday night. The game was amazing, the outcome somewhat surprising as a hobbled Sidney Crosby and the Pens pulled off a 2-1 victory of the Wings to pull a complete 180 defeating the team that had downed them just a year prior in the Final. Let us put it simply: the Pittsburgh Penguins are the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions! Only one Former Islander played a major role in the game. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood gave a valiant effort stopping 16 of 18 shots but it was 2 of 3 shots off the stick of Pitt forward Max Talbot that stumped him as his team's offense failed to pull him even in the closing minutes of regulation. Ozzie played well throughout the 2009 playoffs sporting an impressive 15-8 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a save percentage right around .925 with 2 shutouts. However Ozzie lost 4 of his last 5 starts as the Pens overcame 2-0 and 3-2 series deficits. Our kudos go to Chris for playing with talent and overcoming a terrible regular season to become the most commanding backstopper of the playoffs.

Congratulations must really go, however, to the 4 FIs who will now sport Stanley Cup rings as members of the Penguins. First up is aging winger Bill Guerin who was traded right before the deadline by the Isles for a draft pick. Guerin wins his 2nd ring after being a member of the triumphant 1995 New Jersey Devils. Guerin had 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) on 24 games but was scoreless in his last 5. Alas, way to go Billy G! Also sealing up his second Stanley Cup victory is winger Ruslan Fedotenko who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning when they won in 2004. Fedo had 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) on 24 games including 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) against Detroit. Congrats Ruslan! Despite going point-less in his last 6 games, winger Miroslav Satan is now a Stanley Cup winner. Satan has 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points on 17 games. Way to earn it Miro! Finally, though he did not play in a single playoff game winger Eric Godard should receive his name on the Cup after putting in 71 games of service during the regular season. Congratulations Eric.

Well that wraps it up the 2008-09 season here at Former Islander Watch. Check back occasionally during the summer months as we will have some updates especially when we reach the opening of free agency on July 1. Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

With the Stanley Cup repeat only 1 win away the Detroit Red Wings fell short on Tuesday opening the door for a Pittsburgh comeback as the Penguins downed the visiting Wings 2-1 to even the series at 3-3. Game 7 is Friday night and after that we will officially have a champion. The home team has won each of the first 6 games which would seem to swing the pendulum in Detroit's favor but Pittsburgh does have 3 active Former Islanders which undoubtedly gives them the upper hand. Ooh... Only time will tell. However, 2 FIs did try to help in Game 6. Here is a look:

Pitt winger Ruslan Fedotenko had the secondary assist on the game winning goal at the 5:35 mark of the 3rd Period. Fedo now has a balanced 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points on 23 games. Tank has been inconsistent, however, in this final with only 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) on 6 games. Playing like a champ but taking the loss was Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood who looked stellar stopping 29 of 31 shots faced. Ozzie still deserves some serious Conn Smyth consideration and Game 6 was one of his best this postseason. Alas the loss drops him to 15-7 on the postseason while his goals against average remained steady at 2.00 and his save percentage raised slightly to .927. How do you like them apples?

Check back soon as Friday will officially end the 2008-09 season/2009 playoffs. What a glorious ride it has been here at FIW. Thanks for reading.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Detroit put those two recent losses to the Penguins behind them as they crushed Pittsburgh 5-0 at home to grab a 3-2 series lead. The Red Wings are now 1 win shy of their 2nd straight Stanley Cup Championship. One of the keys to the Game 5 victory was goaltender and Former Islander Chris Osgood. Let us take a look:

Ozzie stopped all 22 shots he faced and received the 3rd star honor in recording the blanking. The Detroit offense did the rest of the work staking the backstopper to a 4-0 less than half way into play. Osgood is now 15-6 on the postseason with a 2.00 goals against average, a .927 save percentage and 2 shutouts. To add to that, Osgood assisted on the Wing's 2nd goal, his 2nd helper of the playoffs. Those 2 assists sent a single postseason record for the goalie who now has 5 playoff helpers on his career. The blanking was the 15th of his playoff career.

Check back soon as play continues on Tuesday June 9 as the Red Wings can close out the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2nd straight year to grab Lord Stanley's Cup - the holy grail of sportsdom.

Two games at home has done good for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they swept their visit to Mellon Arena and evened their series at 2 wins apiece against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. Just like the first 2 games of the series, Games 3 and 4 had a familiar look with the Pens pulling off 4-2 victories in each of those matchups. No Pitt Former Islander stepped up in this one but of course we can take a look at the effort from the lone Detroit FI:

Wings' goaltender Chris Osgood performed just adequately stopping 27 of 31 shots en route to the loss. Ozzie is now 14-6 on the postseason and has lost 2 straight for only the second time in this playoffs and first since the 2nd round series against the Anaheim Ducks in the only time this postseason the Wings have trailed in a series (down 1-2 at that point). Osgood will look to regain his 1-goal form that he had in that 4 game bridge between the Chicago series and the Final when play resumes of Saturday June 6.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The day after they cleaned house, including the expulsion of Former Islander goaltender and team goalie coach Jeff Hackett, the Colorado Avalanche announced the signing of another FI, Joe Sacco, as the team's new head coach. A 738 game veteran, Sacco played a career that took him the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the Isles, the Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers. Sacco played 98 games for the Blue & Orange between 1998 and 1999 in which he notched 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 points. On his career Sacco had 213 points on 94 goals and 119 assists. Sacco ended his NHL career during the 2002-03 season.

In 2007 Sacco became the head coach for the Avs' AHL affiliate the Lake Erie Monsters where he compiled a 26-41-13 record in his first season. With a move to the big-time we will have to wait and see how Sacco fairs in the Mile High City. Best of luck to you, Joe!

As the NHL official enters the summer months the Stanley Cup has not yet been hoisted by a victor. The Pittsburgh Penguins, desperate clinging to dreams of hockey hardware, made a considerable dent in the armor of the mighty Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. The Pens downed the visiting Wings 4-2 to pull the series a little bit closer with Detroit now sporting a 2-1 lead. Play picks up on Thursday night - essentially a make-or-break game for the Pens. Yet again 2 Former Islanders helped out their teams. Here is a look:

Even though it was a gimme point, Pitt winger Ruslan Fedotenko received an assist on a timely goal. Fedo helped out on the empty net goal with 57 seconds remaining, a goal that insured a Penguins victory. Fedo now has 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) on 20 games with 5 (3 goals, 2 assists) coming in the last 5 games overall. Receiving a relatively rare loss was Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood who stopped 17 of a measly 20 shots in a performance that made the powerful backstopper look merely pedestrian. Ozzie is still 14-5 on the playoffs with a 2.00 goals against average, a .927 save percentage and 2 shutouts. Osgood should still be in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The Detroit Red Wings look to be in cruise control doing in a 24 hour span what seemed nearly impossible considering the hot play of the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the 2nd straight time, and in back-to-back games, the Wings downed the visiting Pens 3-1 to grab a 2-0 series lead. Again, a pair of Former Islanders helped out their respective squads. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood looked good again repeating stat-for-stat his prior performance with 31 saves on 32 shots as he received the first star honor yet again. Ozzie has 4 straight wins and has recorded victories in 7 of his last 8 overall. He is a commanding 14-4 on the postseason with a goals against average now below 2.00 and a save percentage lingering around .930. He has not given up more than 1 goal over the last 4 starts (albeit one of those starts was only 40 minutes of ice time). Again, a FI helped out on a late 1st Period goal from Pittsburgh. Bill Guerin received the secondary assist on the lone Pens' goal, a powerplay tally, with just over 3 minutes remaining in the opening frame. Having a career best postseason, Billy G now has 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points on 19 games. However, the powerplay helper was the first of the playoffs for Guerin who has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) with the man advantage. That means that Guerin's accomplishments have come almost solely in the 5-on-5 situations.

The rematch of the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off on Saturday with a rare back-to-back set of finals games set for the weekend. The Wings grabbed the early series lead with a fairly commanding 3-1 win. The lead 1-0 looking to repeat last year's Stanley Cup success. A pair of Former Islanders helped out in the game. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood was masterful stopping 31 of 32 shots faced to seal the victory and grab the first star honor. Ozzie has won 3 or more for the third time in the playoffs and is now 13-4. Scoring the lone goal for the Pens with less than 90 seconds remaining in the opening period was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. With 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) over the last 3 games including a goal in each of those contests the winger now has 7 goals and 5 assists for 12 points on 18 games.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Stanley Cup Final matchup is now set as the Detroit Red Wings pulled off a 2-1 OT home win over the young Chicago Blackhawks to win their Western Conference Final series 4-1. Without a handful of regulars Detroit succeeded on the heels of some of the consistent understudies. However, one Former Islander shone in the crowd. Here is a look:

After a rocky regular season goaltender Chris Osgood has earned himself a repeat trip to the Stanley Cup Final and has done it again after having an excellent playoffs. Ozzie stopped 30 of 31 shots faced to secure the win. He received the first star honor for his effort and is now 12-4 on the playoffs with a slim 2.06 goals against average, a hearty .925 save percentage and 1 shutout. Compare the gaa and save % against his regular season numbers (3.09, .887) and we can see a clear picture of the effort the veteran backstopper is bringing with him game-after-game to the playoffs.

Check in soon as the Stanley Cup Final kicks off on Saturday (moved up from Wednesday). It will be a rematch of last year's final except with Marian Hossa wearing Red and White this year. Quite a few Former Islanders are chasing Lord Stanley's glory including Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and of course Chris Osgood of the Wings. In the running for his name on the Cup as well is winger Eric Godard of Pitt who has not had any ice time in the playoffs but did suit up for 71 regular season matches with the Pens.

The Eastern Conference champion was crowned on Tuesday night as the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins deconstructed the host Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 to sweep their series 4-0. The 'Canes, who made it to the Eastern Conference Final with relative ease, never found their form during the series and were literally made to look silly by the Pens. Three, count em, three Former Islanders helped seal up the victory for the Penguins. Here is a look:

Winger Ruslan Fedotenko kicked off the scoring for the Pens at the 8:21 mark of the 1st Period after the 'Canes had grabbed a 1-0 lead only 96 seconds into play. Fedo has had goals in back-to-back games and now has 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points on 17 games. Up next was once-exiled winger Miroslav Satan who received the assist on the fluky game-winning goal by Max Talbot at the 18:31 mark of the 1st. With 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 5 games Satan now has 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) on 11 games overall. Last up for the cavalcade of FIs was 1st star Bill Guerin who scored the beautiful insurance goal midway through the 2nd frame. With a 3 game point streak in which he has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) Billy G has had a high-flying playoffs with 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) on 17 games. Of all Pittsburgh FIs Guerin has stood out as the most capable and his veteran experience and hockey sense has earned him a chance to win the Stanley Cup ring for the first time since he was with the New Jersey Devils (1995).

Check back soon for more updates as we continue to follow the Chicago/Detroit series.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Red Wings smacked down the host Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 all but stymying the young corps' dreams of Stanley Cup glory as Detroit took a stranglehold 3-1 series lead with the victory. Here is a look at the Former Islander happening:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 18 of 19 shots faced in 40 solid minutes of work before ceding the 3rd Period to backup tender Ty Conklin. Ozzie had played essentially every possible minute of the playoffs for the Detroit and earned a much deserved rest as Conk Block took the Wings home to victory. Osgood is now 11-4 on the playoffs with a 2.14 goals against average and a .921 save percentage.

Check in soon with FIW for more highlights and recaps as we fly headlong into the Stanley Cup Final.

The Pittsburgh Penguins made an emphatic statement crushing the host Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 in Game 3 to grab a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final pairing. A pair of Former Islanders helped the surging Pens to the commanding victory. Here is a look:

Winger Bill Guerin assisted on the team's 2nd goal and capped the scoring on the powerplay with only 68 seconds left to play. The 38 year old winger is literally having the best postseason of his career and now has 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) on 16 games. The 13 points is a single playoff best for the player who secured a Cup ring with the New Jersey Devils in 1995. Over the last 2 games he has 4 points on 1 goal and 3 assists. Scoring Pitt's 4th goal and adding an assist on the Billy G netter was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. The game was the 3rd multi-point night of the playoffs for Fedo who now has 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) on 16 games. The extra man helper snapped a 25 game playoff game streak without an powerplay point dating back to June 7, 2004 - the fated Game 7 when Tank, then with the Tampa Bay Lightning, defeated the Calgary Flames to hoist the Stanley Cup.

There was one game on tap on Friday night as the Western Conference Finals reached Game 3. The upstart Blackhawks pulled within one win of the defending champion Red Wings with a 4-3 OT victory at home. Chicago now trails Detroit 2-1 in their series. Here is a look at the Former Islander happening:

Chris Osgood had perhaps his least spectacular game of the playoffs stopping onl 23 of 27 shots faced including surrendering only the 2nd shot of OT. Ozzie is now 10-4 on the postseason and saw his 3 game win streak come to an end with the loss.

Check back soon with FIW for more updates as we continue to follow the conference final matchups.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins was a doozy with Rushan center Evgeni Malkin netting a hat trick as the Pens downed the 'Canes 7-4 at home. The victory increased Pitt's series lead to 2-0. Here is a look at the noteworthy Former Islander accomplishment:

Winger Bill Guerin assisted on the Pens' 1st and 4th goals. Guerin snapped a 4 game assist-less streak and now has 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points on 13 games. Billy G has been in top form since joining the Penguins late in the season scoring 10 goals and adding 16 assists for 26 points on 30 games between the regular season and the postseason. The 11 points equals his prior playoff high from the 1995 playoffs when Guerin was with the Cup-winning New Jersey Devils. However it took Billy G 20 games to score 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) instead of the much faster 13 of this current postseason.

Check back soon with FIW as we may have already reached the midpoint of the two conference finals.

The defending Stanley Cup champions looked good, real good, as they took on the cinderella Blachawks on Tuesday night. Again, the key Former Islander in this series stood out. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 37 of 39 shots including the 2 he faced in OT as the Red Wings edged Chicago 3-2 at home to take an early 2-0 series lead. Ozzie has now won 3 straight starts and is an impressive 10-3 (.769 win percentage) in his 13 starts with a 2.04 goals against average an a .925 save percentage. While the numbers are slightly lower than his unbelievably 2008 playoff run Osgood has looked at times like the true leader on the ice making timely saves and finding great positioning.

Check back soon with FIW for more as the conference finals roll along.

The surprisingly good Carolina Hurricanes marched into Pittsburgh Monday night ready for a fight and a fight they did receive. The Penguins edged the 'Canes 3-2 to grab a 1-0 series lead. One of the numerous Former Islanders on Pitt stood out. Here is a look:

Winger Miroslav Satan scored the opening goal just 9 minutes into regulation, his first playoff goal in over 2 years, to help lead the charge. Struggling to make the roster each playoff game, Satan earned a little more credibility with the score. The last time Satan scored a playoff goal was on April 20, 2007 when the Isles fell in 5 games to the Buffalo Sabres. The netter snapped a 7 game playoff goal-less streak as the Czech national now has 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) on 8 games.

If a movie were to made of the 2009 NHL playoffs through the eyes of Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood it would likely be called "Ozzie's Excellent Adventure" or "A Tale of Two Seasons". The goalie who suffered an enigmatically bad regular season stats-wise has been a crackerjack top form backstoppper through the first two rounds. Entering the Western Conference Finals keep all eyes on Ozzie. Here is a look at the Red Wing's first game against the hated Chicago Blackhawks.

The Wings manhandled the visiting 'Hawks in the final 13 minutes of play as they downed the upstarts 5-2 to grab an early 1-0 series lead. Osgood stopped 30 of 32 shots faced to improve to 9-3 on 12 playoff games with a goals against average just above 2.00 and a save percentage hovering around .920. Could this be the postseason that Osgood will finally receive the Conn Smythe Trophy he deserves? Only time will tell.

Friday, May 15, 2009

The last two 2nd Round playoff series wrapped up on Thursday night solidifying the Eastern and Western Conference final matchups. Two attempted come-from-behinds were thwarted as a giant fell and a defending champ rose to the occasion. A lone Former Islander came to the rescue in one contest while in the other the mighty Boston Bruins were felled by the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in OT at home as the 'Canes capped a one-time 3-1 series lead to pull off a 4-3 series victory. Here is a look at the FI notable accomplishment of the evening:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood was just good enough stopping 24 of 27 shots faced as the Red Wings pulled out a 4-3 win over the visiting Anaheim Ducks with only 3 minutes remaining in regulation. The Wings have now won 6 straight playoff series and advance to the Western Conference Final for the 2nd straight season. Most of that success has come on the heals of Ozzie who has been a rock for this team when the pressure is on. Osgood improved to 8-3 on the postseason with a 2.06 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. Ozzie has gone an amazing 22-7 (.759 win percentage) over the last 6 series.

Check back with FIW soon as the Conference Finals kick off on Sunday with the Wings hosting their bitter rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. On Monday the surprisingly good 'Canes will tangle with the host Pittsburgh Penguins, last year's defending Conference champion. Only 2 teams (Pitt and Detroit) are housing FIs with Osgood starring in net for the Wings while the Pens have a stockpile of FIs in wingers Ruslan Fedotenko, Bill Guerin and Miroslav Satan. Tough guy Eric Godard has failed to make an appearance yet in the postseason. These 4 players represent the last hope for potential FI Cup winners. Thanks for reading.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

With the pivotal Game 7 in the Washington Capitals/Pittsburgh Penguins series on tap it was bound to be a hot night for hockey. The Pens jumped to a quick lead and never relinquished crushing the host Caps 6-2 to take the series 4 games to 3. Here is a look at the game:

When 3 FIs step up and make it to the boxscore it was bound to be a good game for the Penguins. Wingers Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan all got involved. Billy G scored the game winning goal only 28 seconds into the 2nd Period. Guerin has 9 points (5 goals, 4 assists) on 13 games this postseason including 2 game winners. On his playoff career he has exactly a point-per-every-2-games with 59 (33 goals, 26 assists) on 118 games including 4 game winners, half of them in this playoff stretch alone. Second star Fedotenko assisted on the Pens' game changing 2nd goal late in the 1st Period. Fedo has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) on 13 playoff games but has been a difference maker as of late with 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) over the last 5 games. Tank has reached 25 career playoff points on 17 goals and 8 assists in 66 games. Satan kicked in 2 assists on Pitt's 4th and 5th goals for a multi-point night. He has 4 assists over the last 4 games and now has 4 points on 7 postseason tilts. Satan has 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) on 63 postseason contests. The Pens win advances them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2nd straight season.

With 2 series on the brink of being wrapped up on Tuesday night there were 2 squads that avoided elimination and brought their 2nd Round series to pivotal Game 7s. Alas only 1 Former Islander was involved in those games with the Boston Bruins surviving against the host Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 to even a series they trailed 3-1 in at 3 wins a piece in the other contest. Here is a look at the other game:

The Ducks pulled off a must-win 2-1 victory over the visiting Detroit Red Wings to even the series at 3-3 forcing the final game at Joe Louis Arena on Thursday. Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood played well stopping 26 of 28 shots but the Wings' offense failed for 2nd time in 6 games letting the now top-form backstopper down. Ozzie is 7-3 in all 10 of the Detroit playoff games with an impressive 1.97 goals against average, a .924 save percentage and 1 shutout.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Finally caught up, Former Islander Watch is now covering Sunday and Mondays contests. FIs were involved in both Sunday games and both Monday games as the 2nd round series start wrapping up. Here is a look at the FI action:

Sunday

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood did not have much to face as the Red Wings defense stepped up allowing only 17 shots on goal with only 1 slipping passed the goalie as the Wings thumped the visiting Anaheim Ducks to snatch a 3-2 series lead. Ozzie has played a pretty excellent 9 games going 7-2 on the playoffs with a slim 1.97 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. It has been a tale of 2 seasons for Osgood who struggled through the regular season but has found top form in the postseason.

Somebody finally found Zdeno Chara. The Boston captain and defenseman made an appearance notching 2 assists as the Bruins blanked the visiting Carolina Hurricanes. The win kept the much favored Bruins alive as the 'Canes hold onto a 3-2 series lead. Chara assisted on the powerplay game winner at the 14:48 mark of the 1st Period and the Bs' 3rd goal early in the 2nd. The helpers snapped a 5 game point-less streak for the giant on skates. Chara now has 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) on 9 playoff games.

Monday

Washington center Viktor Kozlov led his team with 2 big goals as the Capitals staved off elimination with a 5-4 OT win over the host Pittsburgh Penguins. The series, predicted by Caps' owner Ted Leonsis to be a "classic" in the making, has lived up to the billing. Despite being outshot 42 to 24 the Capitals persevered on timely goals including the 2 tallies but 1st star Kozlov. He snapped a 3 game point-less stretch and now has 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) on 13 games. Winger Bill Guerin opened the scoring only 5:55 into the 1st Period. Billy G now has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) on 12 games.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo was embarrassed surrendering 7 goals on 30 shots as the host Chicago Blackhawks shocked the Canucks with a 7-5 win. The victory sealed the series for the 'Hawks 4-2 and makes them the first team to advance to the Conference Finals round. The Blackhawks were down 5-4 with only 7:45 remaining in play before they busted out 3 goals in a span of 3:17 to seal the victory. Lu was helpless dropping his 4th loss in his last 5 starts. After a 5 game win streak to start the playoffs the wheels for else for Luongo who finished the postseason with a 6-4 record, a 2.52 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. The 7 goals against was a single game postseason worst for the usually solid backstopper.

Check in soon as we continue to track the 2nd round series as they wind down.

It was another sweep on Saturday as Former Islanders stepped up in both games. Here is a look at the FI happenings:

There was another trio of FI scoring as the Washington-Pittsburgh series clunks along. Winger Ruslan Fedotenko scored only 51 seconds into the 3rd Period as the Penguins overcame a late Capitals for a 4-3 OT win. With the win the Pens take a strangehold 3-2 series lead. Fedo score for the 3rd straight game for the 3rd time in his playoff career and first since May 18-22, 2004 while with the future Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning. Fedo now has 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points on 11 games. Also aiding the Pens' cause was winger Miroslav Satan who assisted on the opening goal early in the 2nd Period. With 2 assists in the last 2 games Satan now has 2 points on 5 playoff games. Notching a helper on Washington's first goal was defenseman Tom Poti. Snapping a 5 game point-less streak since his big 4 point night against his former New York Rangers in the first round, Poti now has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on 12 games.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped only 26 of 29 shots as the visiting Chicago Blackhawks doubled up on the Canucks for a 4-2 win and a massive 3-2 series lead. Lu lost for the 3rd time in his last 4 starts and is now 6-3 on the playoffs despite a goals against average a shade above 2.00.

We continue to try and catch up here at Former Islander Watch and are now setting our sights to Thursday May 7 and Friday May 8. FIs helped out in the 2 Thursday night matchups but only 1 of the 2 Friday night pairings. Here is a brief look:

Thursday

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo played well but the Canucks fell fate to a timely Chicago goal as the host Blackhawks edged the 'Nucks 2-1 in OT. The series is now even at 2 wins apiece. After winning 5 straight to start the postseason Lu has now dropped 2 of his last 3 games for a 6-2 record.

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood played well stopping 25 of 28 shots as the Red Wings crushed the host Anaheim Ducks to even their series at 2-2. Ozzie is now 6-2 on the postseason snapping a 2 game losing streak that gave the Ducks a short-lived series lead.

Friday

A trio of FIs helped out the Penguins as Pittsburgh got past the visiting Washington Capitals 5-3 to even their series as 2-2. The highlight of the night, however, was the return to the boxscore of winger Miroslav Satan who was playing in only his 4th game this postseason after spending the last 17 games on the NHL regular season in the minors at the Pens' AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre Penguins. Satan last scored a point on March 1 snapping a 4 game point-less stretch. He also snapped a 3 game playoff point-less streak dating back to April 20, 2007 when the Isles played in the first round against the Buffalo Sabres. Satan received the primary assist on the game winning goal just over 4 minutes into the 3rd Period. Receiving the 2nd assist was fellow Isles teammate Bill Guerin who also added a goal earlier in the contest. Billy G has done well, not great, scoring 3 goals and adding 4 assists for 7 points on 10 games. The final FI in the group was Ruslan Fedotenko who scored a goal and added a helper on the insurance goal. Fedo has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) over the last 2 games and now has 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points on 10 games.

Check in soon for more updates and highlights as the Conference Finals loom just over the hill.